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2020 Subaru Ascent Body & Structure Problems

9 owner-reported body & structure complaints from NHTSA data

9
Complaints
Jan 2021Dec 2021
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (9)

criticalSTRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Filed: Apr 2026

Water is leaking into your vehicle's interior, causing widespread mold growth on the seats, carpets, and child car seat—creating a health hazard, especially for children. The dealer confirmed the mold contamination and water presence but couldn't identify the leak source without expensive interior disassembly, and refused to enter the vehicle due to unsafe mold levels. Window fogging from excess moisture may also impair your visibility while driving. Identifying and fixing the leak will require extensive diagnostic work and interior removal to locate where water is entering the vehicle.

NHTSA #: 11728801
criticalSTRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2022

I’m very disappointed in the terms of the Subaru recall. Instead of just replacing the faulty transmission, they will only fix CVTs w/ evidence of problems. I reported transmission issues at my last service and was told to wait for the recall as they would charge me $175 if they couldn’t replicate the problem.

NHTSA #: 11452400
criticalSTRUCTURE
Filed: Feb 2021

While driving 50mph the hood is vibrating and flexing. When being passed by other vehicles the flexing and vibrating becomes disturbing violent. At this point I am in fear of the hood becoming unsecured and lifting up while crashing into the windshield causing an accident.

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NHTSA #: 11395885
highSTRUCTURE
Filed: Nov 2024

I can’t say what caused the huge crack in the sunroof bc there is no chips on the outside and no chips or breaking point on the inside. We went to get in the car and open up the sunroof and it has a huge crack that is a known issue if you look it up online.

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NHTSA #: 11625372
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Jan 2024

Driving at speed of 50+, the hood (both sides) wobble/raise up. Faster you drive it raises up further to the point it interferes with view. Concerned it will detach from hood struts and cause major damage

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NHTSA #: 11563703
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Sep 2022

2020 Subaru Ascent Premium.. Rear lift gate at times will not open electronically, and sounds an “alarm” locking the mechanism which prevents it from being opened. The alarm and lockout does not stop until the battery is disconnected.

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NHTSA #: 11484963
mediumSTRUCTURE
Filed: Dec 2021

The hood seems to malfunction in the following manner: When driving at or over 65mph or in high, gusty winds, the hood seems to "wobble" around excessively. It has not come loose, and I've had the dealer look at it and they say it is OK.

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NHTSA #: 11445517
mediumSTRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2020

A large crack suddenly appeared on the windshield of my 2020 ascent, and expanded rapidly over the course of a few hours. I purchased the vehicle new in january 2020. Subaru will not cover the windshield under warranty.

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NHTSA #: 11325967
lowSTRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Jan 2021

My vehicle is fairly new 7 months to be exact. When it was 4 months old I've started to notice rust and corrosion on the window panels that are metal. When I went in for oil change service they deny that there is rust and just offered to polish it.

NHTSA #: 11386341

Other 2020 Subaru Ascent Issues